Johnson Emerging in 2021

BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Not many were taking about Kobe Johnson as one of the top prospects in Wisconsin’s 2021 class this spring.

Johnson didn’t play varsity for Sun Prairie last season. In AAU, he came off the bench and his minutes were somewhat scarce for Phenom University.

By the end of July, people were talking.

Johnson took his game to new heights during the travel season, rising in the rankings and attracting high major college programs.

“I knew I needed to start working very hard,” Johnson told Prep Hoops Wisconsin. “I wanted to put in the work this summer and it’s gotten me to where I am today.

“I’m just going to keep working. Hopefully, I’ll continue to get better.”

Sprouting to 6-foot-1 and likely not even close to done growing, Johnson landed his first scholarship offer from DePaul earlier this fall.

“I was really excited,” said Johnson. “I’ve been working hard since the summer and it paid off.

“They said I’m an all-around playmaker. I can pass, I can shoot, I can pretty much do anything.”

Butler, Marquette, and Wisconsin are showing interest in Johnson heading into his sophomore season.

Johnson checked out the Golden Eagles for their Midnight Madness.

“Their fans were really into it, they’re really crazy,” he said. “They have a good atmosphere.”

Johnson also visited Wisconsin for a football game in September.

“It was nice,” he said. “The vibe there is really exciting. All the fans are really into it.”

Johnson is the younger brother of five-star 2020 G/F Jalen Johnson. Watching the blue chip prospect go through a heated and national recruiting process, Kobe has been able to pick up some tips he can apply to his own recruitment.

Johnson transferred to Nicolet prior to his sophomore season. Teaming up with the likes of Jamari Sibley and James Graham, Johnson sees the Knights coming together nicely with the 2018-19 season on the horizon.

“We’re developing really well,” said Johnson. “We’re still getting used to each other. This fall has been really helping us. I think we’re going to be there by the end of the season.”